Kevin
Gray was given further encouragement on Saturday to raise his sights with his
in-form staying mare All In Vogue.
The Palmerston North horseman is keen on a crack at the Gr.3 Wallaceville
Estate Wellington Cup (3200m) and plans firmed up following the well-bred
mare's win in the Listed Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge Wanganui Cup (2040m).
Based on a past visit to the capital city course, Gray is confident that All In
Vogue can master the extra distance of the Trentham feature on January 20.
"She's nominated and she's already run a mile and a-half well there so I don't
see the two miles as a problem," Gray said.
He was referring to All In Vogue's second placing behind Rock On, a winner at
Otaki on Friday, in last season's Listed New Zealand St Leger (2500m).
A daughter of Pins and the multiple Group One winner Tall Poppy, All In Vogue
was given a sweet run near the pace at Wanganui by Leah Hemi and they came with
a well-timed run to take the day's main event.
Gray had been in a confident pre-race mood following the five-year-old's bold
showing to finish runner-up in the Waverley Cup (2200m) at her previous
appearance.
"I thought she went a top race and the track today was perfect for her and she
had the right weight," he said.
Blathwayt came home strongly to take second money from Balham, who is now
likely to head north for the Gr.3 Skycity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m) in a
fortnight's time. – NZ Racing Desk.